: it turns into nitric oxide and helps the body build protein.

These effects give L-arginine an array of potential benefitsTrusted Source, including:

• supporting heart health
• reducing chest pain
• helping build muscles
• repairing wounds
• improving male fertility

Although there are many claims about the benefits of L-arginine, not all of them have support from scientific studies.

L-Arginine CAPSULES Uses:

• Growth hormone reserve test:

• Healthcare professionals use L-arginine in tests to stimulate the pituitary gland. These tests can helpTrusted Source determine if children are producing sufficient levels of growth hormone.

• Reducing high blood pressure:

•  A 2021 meta-analysis suggests L-arginine can help reduce high blood pressure.
• Correcting hereditary disorders of urea synthesis: The body uses arginine in the urea cycle, which produces urea, a component of urine. The body may use this to correct certain hereditary disordersTrusted Source.

• Preventing heart disease:

  According to a 2019 meta-analysisTrusted Source, L-arginine may be useful in preventing heart disease due to narrow blood vessels.

• Treating erectile dysfunction:

  Low levels of L-arginine may have links to erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers in a 2017 studyTrusted Source hypothesized that this may be due, in part, to narrowed blood vessels. People often use L-arginine supplementation, sometimes with other treatments, such as sildenafil (Viagra), to treat ED.

• Easing inflammation of the digestive tract in premature infants: 

  L-arginine may help prevent necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious illness in premature infants, according to a 2017 studyTrusted Source.

• Reducing type 2 diabetes risk:

  Because L-arginine can help lower blood sugar, it may help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. A 2018 studyTrusted Source found that taking L-arginine may reduce the risk or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

• Improving athletic performance: 

  The results of a 2020 studyTrusted Source suggest that L-arginine supplements may have a positive effect on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance.

Additionally, L-arginine could help with many other health issues. However, more research is necessary to evaluate its potential to do the following:

• heal woundsTrusted Source faster
• alleviate anxietyTrusted Source
• improve breathingTrusted Source in people with illnesses affecting the respiratory system

additional areas

There are several additional areas that researchers are interested in exploring regarding L-arginine and its effects on the human body.

With this in mind, anyone interested in taking L-arginine needs to talk with their doctor about the potential benefits and risks before using it.

Individuals should also fully understand and examine a manufacturer’s claims about their product before using it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements as medication, so they may sometimes contain more or less than the dosage according to the label or bottle.

Side effects of L-arginine

L-arginine has some potential side effects to consider when taking it as a supplement. Some of the more common and benign side effects can include:Trusted Source

• nausea
• diarrhea
• bloating
• abdominal pain

However, L-arginine may result in some serious complications.

Risks and complications

L-arginine can have some potentially serious risks for certain groups of people.

These can include:

• reducedTrusted Source blood pressure
• increased riskTrusted Source of death after a heart attack
• interactions with certain medications, including sildenafilTrusted Source (Viagra) and blood pressure medications
• potential kidney damage with long-term supplementation
• potential to stimulate tumor growthTrusted Source

Although there are risks that correlate with L-arginine use, most research indicates it is safe for most people in small doses. However, the FDA does not monitor the safety or effectiveness of supplements, so it is important to choose a reputable brand that undertakes third-party testing.

Supplements are available to purchase online, but as with any supplement or medication, the risks may outweigh the potential benefits. Therefore, a person should consult a doctor or dietitian before taking L-arginine